Table 1

Structural and dynamic complexities in ETO supply chains

Complexity typesStructuralDynamic
InternalThe number, variety and interdependence of components, subsystems, departments and interfaces that must be designed and assembled, driving dense dependency networks and high integration effort (Baccarini, 1996; Brehmer and Rehme, 2009; Browning and Heath, 2009; Duncan, 1972)Novel or highly customised technologies plus evolving design specifications that trigger iterative design loops, rework and unpredictable technical changes (Azadegan et al., 2013; Birkie and Trucco, 2016; Bozarth et al., 2009; Brehmer and Rehme, 2009; Choi and Krause, 2006)
ExternalThe count, heterogeneity and geographic spread of suppliers and/or customers, creating multiple tiers and hand-off points in the supply network (Birkie and Trucco, 2016; Tatikonda and Rosenthal, 2000; Williams, 1999)Fluctuating material needs, customer-driven design changes, supplier/customer interdependencies and volatile order volumes that ripple through—and destabilise—the supply chain (Tatikonda and Rosenthal, 2000; Williams, 1999; Wong et al., 2011)

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